Tempers flared during the Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, particularly between Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Spurs guard Chris Paul.
With 3:46 left in the fourth quarter, Antetokounmpo, while being guarded by Paul in the paint, made a move toward the basket and seemed to be pushed by Paul. Giannis immediately pointed at Paul, and the two exchanged words before teammates and officials intervened.
The play was reviewed, and Paul was given a common foul. However, after Antetokounmpo missed the first of two free throws, Paul appeared to mock him, which further escalated tensions.
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As the game ended and players made their way to the locker rooms, the back-and-forth between the two continued.
After the game, Antetokounmpo downplayed the foul, calling it just a physical play. But when a reporter noted his behavior of waiting at half-court to exchange words with Paul, he responded with a warning for anyone thinking of provoking him.
“People who know me, they don’t try me,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you try me, it’s a different side. If you try me, you’re gonna get that different side of me.”
Antetokounmpo then elaborated on his frustration with Paul’s foul.
Giannis & CP3 exchanged words after a foul during the game 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/MQeegCbwRj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 1, 2025
“At the end of the day, I think we’re all men. We all respect each other,” he said. “If words cross the line, there have to be consequences. I don’t say much. I try to play the game the right way.”
He emphasized, “If I feel like you’re putting my livelihood, my career, and my body in danger, enough is enough. I have a family to feed, and what might make you laugh can also make you cry sometimes.”
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